In today’s world, having a car is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Most places in OKC are not walkable and even if they were, it would take too much time out of your day to go from point A to point B to point C just to get little errands completed. It can be challenging to purchase a car when you have bad credit. However, there are several ways to improve your chances of securing a car loan even with bad credit. If you wondering how to buy a car with bad credit, you should keep reading.
8 Tips To Buying A Car When You Have Bad Credit
If you have a bad credit score or bad credit history, having a plan to purchase a car will help you save money and not get taken advantage of by the financial industry. Here are a few tips on how to buy a car with bad credit.
Know Your Credit Score
Before starting the car-buying process, it is essential to know your credit score. Many online credit bureaus offer free credit reports, which will give you an idea of where you stand financially. If you have bad credit, it may be a sign that you have been paying your bills late or have defaulted on loans in the past. Understanding your credit score will give you a starting point to build on to improve it.
Build Your Credit
Building your credit is a gradual process that requires discipline and consistency. Start by paying your bills on time and reducing your credit card debt. You can also consider opening a secured credit card, which is a type of credit card that requires you to make a deposit equal to your credit limit. Secured credit cards are a great way to establish credit if you have a bad credit history.
Determine Your Budget
Once you have a good idea of your credit score and credit history, you can start to determine your budget. Determine how much you can realistically afford to pay for a car each month. Be sure to factor in not only the monthly car payment but also other costs like insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Once you have determined your budget, you must stick with it. Going over your budget can lead to financial difficulties in the future which could hurt your credit towards obtaining other loans.
Get Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved for a car loan is a great way to know how much you can afford to spend on a car. It also shows the dealership that you are serious about buying a car and have done your homework. Pre-approval typically requires a soft credit check, which will not affect your credit score.
Explore Your Options
When it comes to buying a car with bad credit, you have several options. You can try to get a car loan from a traditional lender, such as a bank or credit union. However, if you have bad credit, your chances of getting approved may be slim. Another option is to look for financing from a dealership. Many dealerships, like The Key, work with lenders who specialize in financing for people with bad credit.
Consider a “Buy Here Pay Here” Car Lot
One option that is often overlooked is a “buy here pay here” car lot. These dealerships offer financing directly to the buyer and often work with people who have bad credit or no credit history. These types of car loans are typically financed in-house by the car dealer. These car loans sometimes have higher interest rates than loans offered by banks & credit unions but generally help those with bad credit obtain a vehicle. However, if you can’t get approved for a loan elsewhere, a “buy here pay here” car lot may be your best option.
Be Prepared to Negotiate
When buying a car, it is important to be prepared to negotiate. If you are buying from a dealership, try to negotiate the price of the car and the interest rate. If you are buying from a private seller, be sure to get a mechanic to inspect the car before making an offer. Negotiating can help you get the best possible deal, which can save you money and repair in the long run.
Look for a Co-Signer
If you are having trouble getting approved for a car loan on your own, consider finding a co-signer. A co-signer is someone who agrees to take responsibility for the loan if you are unable to make payments. Having a co-signer can increase your chances of getting approved and may also help you get a lower interest rate.
Have Bad Credit … Come To The Key In OKC
The Key is a buy here pay here used car dealership in Oklahoma City. We specialize in helping people with bad credit not only get a car but also to help them re-establish their credit. Our buy here pay here car lot offers in-house financing that you can get pre-approved for right on our website! We work hard to make the car buying process for people with bad credit an easy and enjoyable experience. Don’t let having to purchase a vehicle be a dreadful and worrisome experience. If you are wondering how to buy a car with bad credit, come down to The Key where we want to help you. Before you come down, check out our inventory online.
Contact The Key
Phone
Address
280 W I-240 Service Rd, OKC, OK 73139
